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Live Music!

Retro-revivalists, regional heroes and vintage-clad class clowns the Cherry Poppin' Daddies are back to incite another zoot suit riot.

Although their finger-snappin' re-creation of speakeasy-era swing may have fallen out of fashion (literally and figuratively), no one in the band seems to mind a bit. They're still determined to deliver one of the most entertaining, energetic performances you're liable to encounter.

Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody wears his heart on his sleeve, singing earnest, swoon-inducing anthems that have made his band one of the brightest stars of the modern rock world.

After scrapping two previous appearances (one due to medical reasons, one stemming from travel snafus last month), he and his bandmates once again are scheduled to bring their sweeping, hopelessly romantic arena pop to Portland. Fingers crossed they actually make it this time.

There's no point in trying to describe Kultur Shock in traditional terms. This Seattle gypsy/folk/punk/metal combo is less a band than a full-on force of nature and self-contained musical carnival that moves effortlessly from lilting Eastern European folk to headbanging rock-and-roll - sometimes on the turn of a dime.

With band members hailing from various parts of Eastern Europe, Japan and the good ole U.S. of A., they've found a common language and overriding passion in music.

Although their spirited new album is a corker, Kultur Shock's unique dialect has to be seen to be believed. Here's your chance.

Irish fraternity - the spirit of brotherhood, booze and the occasional brawl - is the undercurrent to Flogging Molly's unique blend of traditional Celtic music and raw punk rock.

Its live show may be one of the most energetic, dynamic and electric you'll encounter, with the band giving its all and the audience responding in kind. The result is an unbelievable frenzy and a heck of a lot of fun.

Labelmates Bedouin Soundclash and Zox will warm things up with their sunny, reggae-tinged tunes, but make no mistake: Flogging Molly is the main attraction.

Who would have guessed that a trio of avant-garde musicians out of Manhattan's insular downtown improvisational scene would have the kind of widespread impact and success that Medeski Martin and Wood have enjoyed?

Celebrated by everyone from serious musicians to blissed-out, jam band-loving groove-seekers, this New York City combo has managed to make eclectic, intricate music accessible to the mainstream while keeping things lofty enough to satisfy their die-hard, original fan base.

Live shows are always an experience, and a chance to exercise your brain and body simultaneously.